Professional football remains an industry where openly gay players are a rare sight, with only a handful of men coming out publicly. As of now, there are no openly gay male footballers playing in Germany’s top-flight leagues, although reports suggest that a group of players may come out ahead of the final weekend of the Bundesliga season in May 2025. This would bring a significant shift in the ranks of openly gay footballers, who currently number just a handful. Among them, one player, Zander Murray, has already announced his retirement from professional football.
Despite the limited representation, there have been key moments of progress in the sport, with players like Jakub Jankto and Josh Cavallo breaking new ground for LGBTQ+ athletes in football. Here are the stories of those few who have paved the way, proving that it’s possible to be open about one’s sexuality in the professional game.
Josh Cavallo – Adelaide United, Australia
In October 2021, Josh Cavallo, a left-back and midfielder for Australian A-League club Adelaide United, made a bold statement by coming out as gay in a heartfelt open letter and video. Cavallo, then 24, revealed he was the world’s only active openly gay male top-flight professional footballer. He expressed his hope that his coming out would help create bridges for the LGBTQ+ community. Since then, he’s become an advocate, speaking out against FIFA’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and criticizing the country’s stance on same-sex relations. Cavallo also made it clear he would refuse to attend the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia due to the country’s anti-gay laws.
Jake Daniels – Blackpool FC, England
At just 17 years old, Jake Daniels, a forward for Blackpool FC, made headlines in May 2022 as the first active male professional footballer in the UK to come out as gay since Justin Fashanu in 1990. Daniels revealed that he wanted to live his life freely and serve as a role model for others struggling with their identity. Now 19, Daniels continues to face the spotlight with dignity and resilience. He explained that while he is gay, his focus remains on being a good footballer, and he has received overwhelming support from his teammates.
Zander Murray – Gala Fairydean Rovers, Scotland – Retired
Though Zander Murray recently announced his retirement, he remains an influential figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ representation in football. In September 2022, Murray, a forward for Gala Fairydean Rovers, became Scotland’s first openly gay male professional footballer. His coming out, after years of fear and uncertainty, sparked a conversation about the pressures faced by LGBTQ+ athletes. Murray, who previously played for Motherwell and Airdrieonians, revealed that coming out had inspired him to embrace his true self. He signed with Bonnyrigg Rose in January 2023, making history again as the only openly gay footballer in Scotland’s top four divisions.
Jakub Jankto – Cagliari Calcio, Italy
In February 2023, Jakub Jankto, a Czech international midfielder, became the first active senior international male footballer to publicly come out. Jankto, 28, revealed his sexuality via a heartfelt video on social media, explaining his desire to live without fear and to embrace love freely. His announcement sent shockwaves through the football world, with many praising his bravery and the historical significance of the moment. Jankto’s decision to come out was hailed as a milestone for both him and the sport.
Collin Martin – North Carolina FC, USA
Collin Martin, a midfielder for North Carolina FC, was the first openly gay male footballer in Major League Soccer (MLS) when he came out in 2018 while playing for Minnesota United FC. Martin has been vocal about the barriers LGBTQ+ athletes face, particularly the lack of representation and the influence of agents advising players to remain closeted. He’s also spoken out about the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, condemning FIFA’s lack of action on LGBTQ+ rights, and advocating for a more progressive environment in international sports.
Phuti Lekoloane – Tornado FC, South Africa
Phuti Lekoloane, also known as Phuti Minaj, made history in July 2015 by becoming the first openly gay male footballer in South Africa’s high-level football. As a goalkeeper for Tornado FC, Lekoloane came out in an interview after being outed on a live radio show, a moment that caught him off guard but helped him realize his own strength. Unfortunately, Lekoloane has faced challenges in his career, with many clubs refusing to sign him due to his sexuality. Despite these setbacks, Lekoloane remains a strong advocate for staying true to oneself, offering advice to others facing similar struggles.
A Small but Mighty Change
While the number of openly gay male footballers remains small, their courage has sparked important conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in the sport. These athletes, who have come out publicly, serve as inspirations for others and continue to challenge the stigmas and barriers that still exist in professional football. Their stories not only shed light on the struggles of LGBTQ+ athletes but also underscore the importance of acceptance and support in breaking down the walls of homophobia in sports.
